British values

Promoting British Values at Stoneferry Primary School

At Stoneferry Primary School, we believe that every child deserves to learn in a caring, inclusive and respectful environment where they are supported to achieve their very best.

As part of our commitment to pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development, we actively promote the fundamental British Values identified by the Department for Education. These values help prepare our children to become responsible, respectful and active citizens in modern Britain.

The five fundamental British Values are:

  • Democracy
  • The rule of law
  • Individual liberty
  • Mutual respect
  • Tolerance of those different faiths and beliefs

These values are woven throughout school life and are reflected in our ethos, curriculum, policies and assemblies. Children learn about British Values through our PSHE curriculum, collective worship, classroom discussions and wider enrichment opportunities.

Our assembly programme and curriculum provide regular opportunities for children to explore and discuss British Values in an age-appropriate way. We are proud of our diverse school community and ensure that all pupils develop an understanding of and respect for the many cultures, backgrounds and experiences that make up modern Britain.

We also have a responsibility to challenge discrimination, prejudice and extremist views, ensuring that our school remains a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for all.

How we promote British values

Each year the pupils decide upon their class rules and the rights and responsibilities associated with these.  All pupils and staff follow these rules which are clearly visible within each classroom.  The pupils and staff actively engage with each other to create positive and harmonious learning environments, where everyone is responsible for the rules. Within each class, decisions are made democratically, often involving voting and regular debates take place which allow children the freedom to express their opinions on topical subjects.

We have a School Council and members are voted in each year by their peers.  The School Council meets regularly to discuss issues which affect the school and their views are always considered when change is taking place within school. The School Council also meet with local Hull City Councillors to find out about democracy in the city.

We encourage pupils to be leaders throughout the school and have a number of activities and responsibilities that are undertaken by the pupils.  For example, pupils from KS2 are Play Leaders at play times and lunch times and other KS2 pupils take on responsibilities at lunch time in the dining hall.

Pupils have the opportunity to express their views in school through pupil voice interviews and questionnaires; they are able to put forward their views about the school and these are then considered and where possible, implemented by the school. This is demonstrated through various choices such as which songs to sing in assemblies to decisions made over which playground equipment to purchase

Behaviour and safety at Stoneferry Primary is consistently good and is a high priority of the school.  The importance of law is consistently reinforced at Stoneferry Primary school. Pupils are taught from an early age about the behaviour aims of the school and how they are expected to behave in our society.

Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws so that they understand, that they govern and protect us and about the responsibilities involved and the consequences when laws are broken. The school’s behaviour policy is clear and concise so that children understand the process and rationale behind it, what the sanctions are and how they are implemented, and the consequences should rules be broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police help reinforce these messages.

Taking part in games and being part of sports teams helps pupils to learn about the importance of rules.  Pupils also understand the importance of attending school regularly and that they have a right to an education.  The importance of good attendance and coming to school is highlighted through a weekly assembly and through an end of term reward system.

At Stoneferry pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment.

As a school we provide boundaries for young pupils to make informed choices and pupils are rewarded for making the correct choices. We also provide regular platforms for children to do this through our whole school usage of Jigsaw.

Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our e-Safety and PSHCE/ Jigsaw lessons. They also understand that with rights come responsibilities. Pupils are given freedom to make choices such as which out of school club they would like to attend, dinner choices and songs to sing.

Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. At Stoneferry, we encourage the children to respect in the classroom, on the playground and around school. These messages are built into assemblies and all members of the school community treat each other with respect. Displays around the school promote respect for others and this is reiterated through our classroom rules and school vision.

When pupils do well their efforts are always celebrated; this could be through praise in class, through use of Star Tokens for displays of kindness and manners, being awarded a ‘Special mention’ award in assembly or through the housepoint system which teaches belonging and unity.

Religious Education lessons and PSHE lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others. The children visit local places of worship that are important to different faiths. As a school we work closely with families from different faiths in order to ensure that all children are included.

For more information, follow the link below to the DFE’s advice for schools:

DfE British Values Advice

Protected Characteristics

Promoting Equality and Understanding of Protected Characteristics

At Stoneferry Primary School, we are committed to promoting equality, diversity, inclusion and respect for all. We teach children about the nine protected characteristics outlined in the Equality Act 2010 through our carefully planned PSHE curriculum, wider personal development offer, World of Work programme and whole-school assembly programme.

The nine protected characteristics are:

  • Age
  • Disability
  • Gender reassignment
  • Marriage and civil partnership
  • Pregnancy and maternity
  • Race
  • Religion or belief
  • Sex
  • Sexual orientation

Through age-appropriate discussions, stories, learning experiences and real-life examples, children develop an understanding and appreciation of individual differences, challenge stereotypes and recognise the importance of treating everyone with kindness, dignity and respect.

Our World of Work programme introduces pupils to a diverse range of careers, people and role models, raising aspirations and reinforcing that opportunities should be open to everyone, regardless of their background or characteristics. Our assemblies, including Picture News, promote British Values, celebrate diversity and encourage children to reflect on fairness, equality and inclusion in the wider world.

These principles are further embedded through our Stoneferry 4Rs – Raising Ambition, Respectful, Responsible and Reflective, our inclusive curriculum, carefully selected books and resources, enrichment opportunities and everyday interactions.

Through pupil voice, positive relationships and a strong culture of belonging, we aim to ensure every child feels valued, represented and empowered to make a positive contribution to our school community and beyond.

“Teachers have high expectations of them in lessons and at playtimes.”

OFSTED

“Learning to read starts straight away.”

OFSTED

“Stoneferry Primary School is a caring community where pupils do well.”

OFSTED

“Pupils behave well. They are respectful to adults and to each other.”

OFSTED

“Pupils feel safe in school and in their local community.”

OFSTED

“Pupils enjoy mathematics’ lessons and can talk about what they know.”

OFSTED

“Teachers develop children’s phonics knowledge quickly.”

OFSTED

“Teachers are highly perceptive to pupils’ needs.”

OFSTED

“Pupils enjoy learning and are keen to take part in lessons.”

OFSTED

“Pupils are very tolerant and accepting of difference.”

OFSTED